Georgian prof is committed to opening up skilled trades to women

Jan. 24, 2017

Cabinetmaking Techniques professor Lynn MacKinlay is the first mentor in a new program developed by the Wood Manufacturing Council that will help guide women in overcoming challenges and barriers they may face in the wood manufacturing trades.

Lynn will play a role in efforts to increase retention of diverse women in the industry, develop a community that encourages women’s participation, help women understand their potential in the industry, and increase women’s sense of belonging.

The mentorship program is geared toward women currently in production positions in the woodworking business and for those who have recently completed postsecondary studies and are launching their careers in the sector.

Lynn has been involved with the Wood Manufacturing Council for three years. She values the fruitful partnership shared with the council’s president Richard Lipman.

“Georgian College Cabinetmaking Techniques partners with the council on intercollege tech ed teacher days throughout southern Ontario,” says Lynn. “A spin off from these days has been to hammer out an articulation agreement with other postsecondary woodworking programs. I was invited to join an advisory committee to develop this mentoring program. Naturally, as a Red Seal cabinetmaker and woman who spent about 25 years in the wood trades, I am an obvious mentor. I am deeply committed to making the skilled trades – and wood trades in particular – more welcoming to diverse groups including women.”

Women can learn a lot from Lynn about what it’s like to pursue a career in the skilled trades. She has years of experience working in commercial cabinet shops and the film industry. She was also the first female in her trade to be certified Red Seal in Nova Scotia. Watch a documentary she was featured in.

Until its dissolution in 2015, she was also part of the Simcoe County Women in Trades, a volunteer-led organization dedicated to the success of women in skilled trades and providing support and resources through networking, education and mentorship.

The Wood Manufacturing Council is a non-profit organization that works on human resource, skills and training issues in the advanced wood processing sector. The council works in partnership with industry, educators, trade associations and other interested parties to address the long-term human resource and skills development issues in the sector.

Learn more about Skilled Trades at Georgian.